Recycling Market Development Zones (RMDZ)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is market development of recyclables?

Market development is the creation and development of markets for products made in part from postconsumer waste materials diverted from the waste stream. When these diverted materials are used to produce new products, the products are referred to as recycled-content products.

Why is market development for recyclables important?

As California's population grows, so will the estimated 92 million tons of waste generated each year. One way California can manage this waste is by manufacturing quality products out of these materials...before they reach the landfill.

What other benefits can we foresee from market development of recycled materials?

Jobs. An estimated 20,000 jobs could be created in California's manufacturing sector, plus another 25,000 jobs in sorting and processing, and tens of thousands more in ancillary jobs.

Are there barriers to developing markets for recycled materials?

Financial barriers (e.g., difficulties businesses face in obtaining long-term credit): The RMDZ loan program was designed to address the financial barriers by providing low-cost, long-term financing.

Why is the loan program so important to recycling businesses?

Many conventional lenders hesitate to fund recycling-based manufacturing because, in their view, it involves unproven technologies. Although the RMDZ loan program requires the same types of security collateral as a conventional lender, familiarity with the industry enables the Board to finance new, yet promising, recycling technologies. More RMDZ loan information...

What incentives are local communities providing to businesses?

Check RMDZ Zone Profile pages to see what each local community offers recycling manufacturers as incentives.

How has the RMDZ program helped other businesses?

For examples of what other businesses have done with help from this program, see the business profiles.

Does my business reside in a qualifying area of California?

To find out, conduct a search of your address.